Ireland has been named the 'best destination in Europe' for the third year running by the Travel Weekly annual Readers Choice Awards.

The accolade rounds off another record-breaking year for Irish tourism.

Ireland beat off tough competition from England, France, Italy, Germany and Spain and scooped the award at New York's Conrad Hotel.

View of the River Nore with the backdrop of Kilkenny Castle in the midieval city of Kilkenny (Image: Tourism Ireland)

Niall Gibbons, Tourism Ireland’s CEO, said: “We are delighted that Ireland has been singled out for this award in the United States.

"Travellers nowadays have tremendous choice, which makes it more important than ever for us to ensure the island of Ireland stands out from other destinations – so this award is really good news, coming at the end of another record-breaking year for Irish tourism from the US and as we prepare to kick off another extensive promotional drive in 2017, in this all-important market.